Tom Sestito and Canucks cut ties, team looks to move him

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Tom Sestito and Canucks cut ties, team looks to move him

If Tom Sestito is to continue his playing career, he’ll be doing it outside the Vancouver Canucks organization. With less than half a season remaining on his two-year deal, the Canucks have announced Sestito will not play in the organization for the rest of the season.

Two days into the New Year, the Vancouver Canucks put Tom Sestito on waivers. He was then demoted to the Utica Comets on Jan. 3. Now, less than two months after being sent to the AHL, the Canucks organization and Sestito are going their separate ways.

The Canucks announced yesterday that Sestito, 27, has been removed from the Comets roster and, “will not play for either club for the remainder of this season.” In the release, the Canucks announced Sestito will continue receiving his $750,000 salary.

In May 2013 Sestito signed a two-year, one-way deal with the Canucks worth $1.5 million. Best known for his skills as a pugilist, the signing indicated Vancouver was changing the build of their roster. However, after the firing of then-GM Mike Gillis and coach John Tortorella, Sestito has had a near impossible time getting into the Canucks lineup.

Over 77 games with the Canucks last season, Sestito posted five goals and nine points to go along with 213 penality minutes. All three totals were career highs. He averaged less than 6:30 minutes of ice time per outing with Vancouver last season.

This season, Sestito suited up for three games with the big club and averaged under 6:15 per game. Upon being sent to the AHL, he played 10 games with the Comets, but was a healthy scratch for the last nine contests. Over his 10 game stint in the AHL, Sestito had one goal and 20 penalty minutes.

Sestito has suited up for a total of 137 NHL games split between the Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. In his career, he has 10 goals, 18 points and 432 PIM.

According to the Canucks, Sestito will continue to work out on his own and the organization will, “work to identify a new club where he can continue his career.”